Jessica Chastain in talks to play Marilyn Monroe in 'Blonde'
The actress could play the Hollywood icon in Andrew Dominik's forthcoming biopic.
According to Thewrap.com, Jessica Chastain is currently in talks to play Marilyn Monroe in "Blonde," taking over from Naomi Watts, who was previously attached to the role. The film will be based on Joyce Carol Oates's 2000 historical novel, which imagines the famous icon's intimate and emotional life.
Worldview Entertainment and Brad Pitt's production company Plan B are producing. Brad Pitt is well acquainted with director Andrew Dominik, as the two have collaborated on two projects: "The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford" and "Killing Them Softly."
The American actor and producer also knows Jessica Chastain, with whom he co-starred in "Tree of Life." Thewrap.com even reports that Pitt personally convinced the actress to accept the challenge of playing Marilyn Monroe.
Michelle Williams played the international sex symbol in "My Week With Marilyn" in 2012. But "Blonde" promises to offer a less conventional approach to the actress and her personality. Andrew Dominik reportedly plans to begin lensing this August.
Joyce Carol Oates's book has already been adapted into a TV miniseries, which aired in 2001 and featured Poppy Montgomery in the title role.
Jessica Chastain has a number of other projects on the horizon. After making an appearance at the Cannes Film Festival for the screening of "Eleanor Rigby," in which she stars alongside James McAvoy, the actress will return to theaters in "Miss Julie" with Colin Farrell and in Christopher Nolan's "Interstellar" with Matthew McConaughey. She will also play Oscar Isaac's wife in J.C. Chandor's "A Most Violent Year" and will join director Guillermo del Toro on the set of the horror movie "Crimson Peak."
